Prominent environmentalist Dr. Rajendra Singh called on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, at Naveen Niwas here this evening to discuss the long-standing Mahanadi water sharing dispute.
During the meeting, Naveen Patnaik reiterated that the Biju Janata Dal will not allow Odisha’s interests to be compromised in the Mahanadi water sharing issue under any circumstances. “The fight will continue,” he asserted.
The discussion focused on strategies to safeguard Odisha’s rightful share of Mahanadi river water, especially in the context of ongoing inter-state water disputes, primarily with Chhattisgarh.
Also present during the meeting were former Minister Shri Devi Prasad Mishra, former Minister and member of the Mahanadi Committee constituted by the State Government Shri Niranjan Pujari, and Sudarshan Das, Convenor of the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan.
Dr. Rajendra Singh, known for his pioneering work in water conservation and often referred to as the “Waterman of India,” shared his views on the environmental and ecological aspects of the river water sharing problem.
The BJD has consistently maintained a strong stance on protecting Odisha’s water rights in the Mahanadi basin, criticizing both the central government and the ruling party in the state for what it describes as inadequate efforts to secure the state’s interests.
